Welcome to Dodgerslist. We have a lot of information to share and are very glad you are here.
A lot of members have found the three treat method works for giving meds to their dogs.
Prepare three treats, the first one has no meds. While giving the first treat , hold the second in your hand so the dog can see it. After the first treat, the hope is that the dog will greedy gulp the second with the meds. Give the third treat right afterwards before the dog has time to get suspicious.
The treats can be put in something your dog lkes best; peanut butter, soft banana, even mini marshmallow. What has worked best for me is a ball of cream cheese.
Info on giving oral meds can be found at the video below:
This info is at minute 1:36
Would you be willing to tell us more about your dog's IVDD episode so we can provide comments specific to your dog's situation?
Are you are currently doing the most important part of Conservative treatment, which is Strict crate rest. If so, when did it start? The crate rest must be very strict because it is the immobility enforced by crate rest that allows the disc to heal. We always use the comparison of treatment for a broken arm. The cast on a broken arm is to immobilize the area, so the bone can heal. We can't put a cast on a dog's back, so we use the crate. The limited movement allows the disc to heal. This process takes 8 weeks. During an IVDD episode the dog should be in the crate 24/7 out only for potty time and needed vet visits.
Strict means:
- no laps - no couches
- no baths - no sleeping with you
- no chiro therapy - no dragging or meandering at potty times
Carry her too and from the potty area and then allow the fewest number of footsteps.
We have some at home nursing care tips at the page below:
www.dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-proc.
What signs of pain is your dog showing? These are the signs of pain we look for.
All anti-inflammatories, like Novox, cause excess stomach acid. This can sometimes lead to serious stomach damage. To lower the chances of this damage, a stomach protector like Pepcid AC is used. Ask the vet if Leo has any health issues to prevent use of Pepcid AC (famotidine)? (doesn’t need it, we wait til there is problem…are NOT answers to your question!) If you get a “no health” issues answer, then go to the grocery store to purchase over the counter Pepcid AC containing one single active ingredient (famotidine)
The usual dose of Pepcid AC (famotidine) for dogs is 0.44mg per pound, 30 mins before the anti-inflammatory and thereafter every 12 hours for as long as your dog is on the anti-inflammatory.
www.dodgerslist.com/2020/05/06/stomach-protection/Are you seeing signs of stomach problem such as not eating, vomit, loose stool, bleeding ulcers, red or black blood in diarrhea?
Here is info on what to expect for each phase of healing:
www.dodgerslist.com/in-the-right-placeWhat signs of pain is your dog showing? These are the signs of pain we look for:
SIGNS OF PAIN typical with a disc episode:
⚙︎ shivering-trembling ⚙︎ yelping when picked up or moved
⚙︎ tight tense tummy ⚙︎ arched back, ears pinned bac
⚙︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position
⚙︎ slow or reluctant to move in suite such as shift positions
⚙︎ not their normal perky interested in life selves
➕if a neck disc:
◻︎ head held high/ nose to the ground
◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily.
◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain
◻︎ holds front or back leg up flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
When the pain meds are right, pain relief should be seen within an hour and your dog should have no pain between doses
With the meds, could you tell us the dosage and frequency of each, when they started and for how many days prescribed?
Info on medications used during a disc episode can be found below:
www.dodgerslist.com/meds-used-during-disc-episode/Can your dog empty the bladder on her own or do you find wet bedding and peeing on you when lifted? If you are finding wet bedding or peeing when lifted, your dog does not currently have bladder control and must be helped to empty her bladder. We do this by expressing. This means putting enough pressure on the bladder to push the urine out. More info is here:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-careCan your dog wobbly walk or move her legs to reposition ? Can she wag her tail?
How much does your dog weigh? Age?
What is your name and your dog's name? I am Romy.
It is very scary when our dogs are diagnosed with IVDD. It becomes less so when we learn all we can about the disease. More information can be found at our main website:
www.dodgerslist.com
